Advocacy Update Sept. 23, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 23, 2025
Academy calls on CMS to maintain a robust portfolio of quality measures
FDA workshop: Improving patch test access for contact dermatitis
Final reminder: State Advocacy Grant applications due Sept. 30
Quality Payment Program
Academy calls on CMS to maintain a robust portfolio of quality measures
Recently, the Academy joined (PDF) more than 30 medical organizations expressing concerns to CMS about the process for reviewing and selecting quality measures in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
The letter urges CMS to expand the number of measures available in MIPS and MIPS Value Pathways, noting that reducing or combining measures often increases complexity and physician burden. The group highlighted the importance of maintaining disease-specific and specialty-relevant measures, and the continued value of Qualified Clinical Data Registries such as the AAD’s DataDerm™.
The Academy remains committed to advocating for a robust portfolio of meaningful measures that support quality improvement and successful participation in CMS reporting programs.
FDA Workshop
FDA workshop: Improving patch test access for contact dermatitis
The FDA announced a virtual public workshop will be held on Oct. 23 regarding the approval of new patches for the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. If you are interested in participating, please register for the event.
AADA News
Final reminder: State Advocacy Grant applications due Sept. 30
Applications for the 2026 AADA State Advocacy Grant Program will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2025. The program provides financial assistance to state dermatology societies to advance their health policy initiatives, including supporting state lobbying expenses.
AADA News
Join your colleagues and contribute to SkinPAC
As of Sept. 18, SkinPAC has raised $890,372 from 796 individuals. Contribute online at www.skinpac.org or by texting SkinPAC to 71777. Help us keep up the momentum as we advocate for Medicare physician payment reform! SkinPAC helps strengthen our relationships on Capitol Hill and reinforces our grassroots and lobbying efforts.
Email skinpac@aad.org with any questions.
The political purpose of the American Academy of Dermatology Association Political Action Committee ("SkinPAC") is to solicit and receive contributions to be used to make political campaign expenditures to those candidates for elective office, and other federal political committees, who demonstrate understanding and interest in the view and goals of the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Contributions to SkinPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to SkinPAC must be made from your funds and may not be reimbursed. SkinPAC cannot accept contributions from corporate accounts. Any recommended contribution amount is merely a suggestion. All AADA members have the right to contribute more or less or refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits us from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, physical address, occupation, and name of the employer whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
